Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia and Caregiver Burden

Abstract

Dementia is a mental health disorder of global public health concern. The syndrome of dementia may be caused by various underlying diseases, each characterized by a specific constellation of signs and symptoms in combination with a presumed underlying substrate of neuropathology. Behavioral and psychological symptoms are integral part of dementia. They increase morbidity, influence quality of life and are major source of care giver burden. To be effective, dementia care need to focus on the early detection of BPSD and its management. The spectrum of behavioral and psychological symptoms in different each types of dementia are different and they should be managed accordingly to relieve care giver burden.